Nassau

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Bahamas Day 10 April 27^th Nassau

 

Yes, we’re back in Nassau. Today we decided to head to a beach club called Margaritaville. We chose this one because it’s an easy walk from the ship, which means we can come and go as we please without dealing with an organized bus excursion, taxis, traffic, or any fussy arrangements. It’s simple, flexible, and exactly the kind of day we wanted.

 

Beach clubs are everywhere these days, and they’re popular for a reason. They bundle everything — food, drinks, music, loungers, shade, and service — into one easy, polished experience. No hauling towels, no hunting for a spot in the sand, no figuring out logistics. It’s simply “beach time.” Sure, beach clubs cost money, but so does going to a public beach once you start renting loungers, umbrellas, and everything else. And on public beaches, you’re also at the mercy of the hawkers — the moment you lie down and start drifting toward a nap, they appear. “You buy from me? You buy from me?” They’re constantly trying to sell you hats, sunglasses, T‑shirts, beaded necklaces, fruit, drinks, or offering to braid your hair or give you a quick beach massage. It’s part of the charm… until it isn’t.

At Margaritaville, there were several day‑pass options, but we went with the cheapest one because the pricier packages included lunch and unlimited drinks — and honestly, do we really need more food or alcohol at this point? So, we chose the budget option which got us a lounger, an umbrella, and a margarita. But because we paid for the beach option, we couldn’t use the pool and go floating down their lazy river.

 

A lazy river is basically a gentle, winding waterway pool that carries you along on a soft current while you float in an inner tube. It’s calm and unhurried — like drifting down a warm, shallow stream in paradise without having to paddle, plan, or think about anything at all. The first time I saw a lazy river was in Puerto Plata, right at the port entrance in the middle of all the chaos — tourists shopping, tourists drinking, tourists wandering around with no idea where they were going — there they were. People floating in a man‑made pool that looked like a gently moving stream. Some were wedged awkwardly into their inner tubes, others drifting by with a beer in hand and sunglasses on.

 

My first thought was, do they have any idea how ridiculous they look? But as I watched them glide past, I couldn’t ignore the serene, totally carefree expressions on their faces. They looked like they had slipped out of the real world for a moment, and honestly, I’ve never forgotten that look.

Jay and I are theater fans, but magic shows aren’t our style. Tonight’s show is Evolution of Magic, performed by Adam Milner. Magicians do sleight‑of‑hand; illusionists rely on technology and “perfected” tricks — basically the difference between quick fingers and expensive equipment. Either way, I’m not a fan of being tricked, fooled, bamboozled, hoodwinked, or otherwise suckered — so we’ll be skipping the show.

 

The most famous magician is David Copperfield, known for making things like jet planes disappear. He has performed at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas for 25 years, and his last show will be two days from now on April 30th of this year. The most famous illusionist is Houdini, whose whole career was escaping from boxes, tanks, chains, and anything else people could lock him inside. He died of a ruptured appendix on Halloween in 1926, but some people still like to pretend he’s alive at 150 years of age— which honestly would be his greatest trick. On some MSC ships they feature a “A House of Houdini” show that is music, singing, acrobatics and sleight of hand in tribute to the great Houdini. Now that’s a show I would like to see.

 

When we got back on the ship we went up to the Yacht Club pool deck. Jay napped and I watched the seagulls. It reminded me of a line from the 1971 movie, Harold and Maude when Maude and Harold are watching the seagulls. Maude says to Harold “Dreyfuss once wrote from Devils Island that he could see the most glorious birds. Many years later he realized they had only been seagulls. For me they will always be glorious birds.” There is something to be said finding beauty in the ordinary.

 

Tomorrow we will be at Ocean Cay again and it’s Jay’s 85 birthday!

 

 

Space Center

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Bahamas Day 9 April 26^th Port Canaveral

 

Today we headed out to tour the Kennedy Space Center. I wasn’t entirely sure how excited I’d be. I’m not really a space buff, but even I know that Kennedy Space Center is NASA’s main launch site, not Texas or California. I knew Jay would be in his element and really enjoy the tour. Before joining the Fire Department, he worked at General Dynamics in San Diego on the Atlas booster. The Atlas booster is a powerful rocket stage originally built in the late 1950s, (Yeah, Jay had to explain that to me) He still remembers the day Scott Carpenter and John Glenn stopped by to see the preparations. In 1962 the Atlas booster launched John Glenn into orbit on the Friendship 7 mission.

 

When I was growing up in the sixties, everyone knew the astronauts’ names just as easily as we knew the ball players or movie stars. Armstrong, Glenn, Lovell, Shepard—they were true household names. We’d gather around the old black‑and‑white TV to watch the liftoffs, and it felt like the whole country paused for those moments. These days, people just don’t follow the space program the way they once did.

 

Life moves faster now, and our attention is splintered across countless distractions—from nonstop digital entertainment to the constant churn of news—making it harder for something like space exploration to command the same collective excitement it once did. Recent lunar missions like Artemis II have certainly boosted public interest, but they still don’t seem to match the excitement of the Apollo era.

 

I guess my most personal connection to the space heroes came from my brother Jay, who somehow ended up picking up John Glenn from the old Sacramento airport. The funny part is that he was only working a summer job at the California State Fair in the Art and Marketing Department. He was supposed to be designing posters and hauling display boards—not chauffeuring one of the nation’s most famous astronauts. But the day when Glenn arrived, every official or important person seemed to have vanished into thin air. Someone looked around, saw my brother standing there in his suit, and said, “You—go get Glenn.” And off he went. We even have a picture of him in a convertible, casually driving one of America’s most iconic astronauts around as if it were just another Tuesday.

 

I remember the big moments in space—like watching Neil Armstrong take that first step for mankind. I saw that monumental moment while I was cleaning a hotel room during my chambermaid days in Tahoe City. Just minutes later, I took a “giant step” of my own on a staircase, slipped with my mop bucket, and ended up in the Truckee emergency room to make sure nothing was broken.

 

Visiting the space center stirred up a whole pile of old memories—way more than I ever expected. And to my surprise, I absolutely loved the tour. After all, this is the place where real rockets blasted off, real astronauts trained, and real missions rewrite everything we thought we knew about the universe.

 

It was a good day, even though every exhibit was packed with tourists and it felt like all we did was wait — and I really hate waiting. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. But John F. Kennedy said it best in 1962: “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do other things… not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”

 

The space center reminded me how far people can go when they dream big. Then, being back on the cruise ship reminded me how important it is to slow down, enjoy where you are, and appreciate the simple moments. Somehow the two experiences fit together perfectly — one lifting my eyes to the sky, the other bringing me gently back to earth.

 

We’re on a back‑to‑back cruise, which means a whole wave of new passengers just boarded for their first four‑day trip. God help us. At least our loud neighbors from the last leg are gone.

 

Ocean Cay

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Bahamas Day 8 April 25^th Ocean Cay

 

Today we’re visiting Ocean Cay, a small man‑made island in the Bahamas that has been transformed into MSC Cruises’ private marine reserve. It’s known for its powdery white‑sand beaches and stunning turquoise water. The island offers more than 75 acres of beaches and natural spaces, with calm, shallow areas perfect for swimming. There’s a long list of activities to enjoy—snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and guided nature walks. You’ll also find beach bars, dining options, and scenic walking trails to explore. This place is beautiful and truly was the best day of our cruise so far.

 

For years, cruises stopped at crowded ports and busy city centers, which often meant long lines and a day that didn’t feel very relaxing. Private islands changed that. They offer open beaches, a controlled environment, and a truly worry‑free day ashore. Cruise lines invest in them because they can manage the entire experience, avoid dock fees, and keep more guests spending onboard instead of losing it to local shops or outside tours. Even though these islands cost a lot to build, they end up being far more profitable. And the truth is, guests enjoy them too—they’re quieter, less crowded, more private, and built for comfort and relaxation.

 

Private islands take away some of that cultural interaction you get from visiting local towns and meeting people. But let’s be real—at a lot of ports, like Costa Maya, you’re not getting much authentic culture anyway. Even if you step off the ship, the whole area is built for tourists. Its shops, bars, and photo ops, not a true look at local life. So, while private islands cut out cultural experiences, many ports weren’t offering much of that to begin with.

 

Cruises are more of a vacation than a true travel experience. You’re usually not in one place long enough to dive into a new culture or spend real time with local people. It’s fun, relaxing, and easy—but it’s not the same as exploring a country on your own and really getting to know it. That said, cruises are still incredibly valuable because they give you a quick glimpse of a place—its scenery, its vibe, its highlights. Sometimes that little taste is exactly what inspires people to come back later for a longer, deeper visit as we have done in the past.

 

One of my favorite examples of the difference between travel and vacation comes from the movie City Slickers. Billy Crystal signs up for what he thinks will be a fun, relaxing cowboy getaway—only to discover it’s actually real ranch work. There’s that unforgettable moment where he’s being dragged across the dirt by a runaway cow, clinging to the rope and yelling, “I AM ON VACATION!”

It’s the perfect metaphor. We all love the idea of being adventurous, worldly travelers, but the truth is many of us just want a break—a simple vacation, not a life‑changing cattle drive.

 

A similar idea shows up in My Life in Ruins. The main character is a tour guide in Greece who is deeply passionate about Greek history. She wants her passengers to experience the richness of the culture, the stories, the meaning behind the Acropolis. But her tourists have different expectations. They’re in Greece, yes, but they’re looking for the simple joys of being away from home—an ice cream, a stupid fun souvenir, a moment to relax rather than another detailed lecture.

It’s a gentle reminder that not everyone seeks deep cultural immersion. Sometimes people just want a kitschy cheesy souvenir, a sweet treat, or a T‑shirt to take home—because, after all, they’re on vacation.

 

Together, these two films highlight an important truth: we love the idea of being bold travelers, but often what we really need is a break. Travel asks something of us. Vacation gives something back. On this trip Jay and I are on vacation.

 

Tomorrow we will take a tour of Cape Canaveral Kennedy Space Center.

 

At Sea

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Bahamas Day 7 April 24^th at Sea

 

It’s another Sea Day — yippie! Since I’m basically a seasoned MSC veteran now, here’s a fun fact: you’ll never find Deck 17 on this ship. MSC skips Deck 17 because it’s considered unlucky in Italian culture. In Roman numerals, 17 is XVII, which can be rearranged to VIXI — meaning “I have lived,” or more dramatically, “that’s the end of me.” Not exactly cruise‑vacation energy. So MSC avoids 17 entirely, just like many U.S. buildings skip the 13th floor. Superstition exists all around the world. I guess.

 

To get from our cabin on Deck 18 down to Deck 16 to our favorite cocktail hideaway, the Top Sail Lounge, we usually take the stairs. But once you crack the code, the elevators are just as effortless. You just tap your wristband against the panel like you’re unlocking a secret level, pick your deck, and let the ship do the rest. These elevators are smart—almost too smart. Step inside and there’s nothing to press, so you feel a bit lost, but they already know who you are, where you are going and whether you’re even allowed to be there. And if you’re not meant to go there… well, you might find yourself mysteriously redirected to Deck 17 instead. (that was a joke) Of course they don’t always work the way they are supposed to but impressive just the same.

 

Today is overcast and that’s ok cause we had quite a bit of sun yesterday. I decided it was time to test my luck and head down to Deck 7. That’s where the casino is, the lucky seven deck. Since it was a sea day, the place was wide open and buzzing. When a ship is in port or too close to land, the casino must stay closed, which is why sea days are prime time for anyone to strike a little luck.

 

Seven has always had that “lucky” reputation. It shows up everywhere: the Seven Wonders of the World, seven colors in the rainbow, seven continents, seven seas—seven dwarfs. But today, it wasn’t lucky seven for me. It was more like unlucky seventeen, and I walked away empty‑handed. Still, as the seasoned players like to say, “I had fun.” Though, let’s be honest—winning is always a lot more fun than losing.

In the afternoon the staff hosted an exclusive tea party for Yacht Club guests in the Top Sail Lounge. It wasn’t as fancy as the one we had on the Queen Mary last year, but it was beautifully presented by our wait staff in white gloves — a hilarious contrast to the memory of them absolutely letting loose on the dance floor the night before.

The offerings were exactly what you’d expect: scones, mini cakes, cucumber sandwiches with the crusts naturally trimmed off, and those tiny dainty puff‑ball things you pop in your mouth and immediately wonder, What exactly did I just eat? Everything was cute, petite, and very much in the category of things we would never bother making at home. I briefly wished they’d roll out their famous pizza, but I know probably wouldn’t be fittin. Like Mammy (Gone with the Wind) would say, “Just not fittin, just not fittin”. And yes, there was tea. Lots of different kinds although most people opted for champagne or wine because, well, it was 4:00 O’clock. The little petite goodies were surprisingly filling, so no dinner is required tonight.

The evening’s entertainment in the theater was called The Journey. It was a musical voyage by train through places like France, Spain, and Italy — all told through music, acrobatics, and song and dance. The whole thing was surprisingly unique, using technology, set design, and lighting to create seamless visual transitions that actually made it feel like you were traveling from country to country. It was impressive.

 

Tomorrow we will be at Ocean Cay, MSCs private Island.

 

Costa Maya

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Bahamas Day 6 April 23^rd Costa Maya

 

Costa Maya is the second‑largest cruise port in Mexico, right behind Cozumel. It’s jokingly called “Costa Maybe” because high winds sometimes cause ships to cancel port stops at the last minute, gifting everyone an extra sea day whether they wanted one or not.

 

Most people like us book cruises for the onboard fun: the food, the shows, but for plenty of travelers, the destinations matter just as much. So, when a port gets canceled, emotions can rise faster than the tide.

 

That’s what happened aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Spirit in 2019. We weren’t on that cruise but heard all about it. That sailing went down in cruise‑history as the legendary “mutiny cruise.” After multiple ports were canceled, thanks to weather and operational stuff, passengers collectively hit their breaking point. It was reported that hundreds gathered in the atrium chanting, “Refund! Refund! Refund!” I am not sure how it turned out.

 

Today we were torn between three options: splurge on a private luxury beach club, wander around the port, or just enjoy another relaxing day on the ship. The port is beautiful but very touristy with shops everywhere, tequila and chocolate tastings, two huge free pools, tons of restaurants, even a bird aviary. It’s fun, but it fills up fast. And since we already spent plenty of time browsing those same shops last year, we weren’t exactly eager for a repeat.

 

The beach club sounded fabulous… until we remembered that spring is peak sargassum season. And sargassum is basically seaweed—not great to look at, not great to smell, and definitely not something you want to swim in. That made the decision pretty easy, ship day it is.

 

I did a lot of research on this MSC Seashore ship before we sailed, but nothing really prepares you for how big it actually is. It’s huge, about 5,600 passengers, more than 2,200 cabins, ten restaurants, and twenty bars. It’s easily the biggest ship we’ve ever been on.

 

The best way to describe the ship would be to say it is a modern, stylish resort at sea. It’s built for people who love ocean views, outdoor areas, and, since it’s an Italian ship, it has a bit of European flair. Everything feels new, shiny, and bold. One of the flashiest features is the crystal staircase in the atrium. It’s basically a sparkly staircase with clear steps filled with crystals. When you walk on it, the light hits the crystals and makes the whole thing glitter like a giant piece of jewelry.

 

I can report food so far has been ok. We’re not foodies by any stretch, but we’ve enjoyed the filet mignon, and pasta. Nor are we big seafood eaters—aside from our favorite, crab, lobster and salmon—so I can’t really comment on the branzino with lemon butter sauce, seafood linguine, or some of the more adventurous options like beef carpaccio, octopus salad, or tuna tartare. They look interesting, we’re just not the type to branch out that far.

 

People we met poolside warned us that the specialty restaurants were hit or miss. We tried Hola Tacos the other night and, for us, that one was a miss. Another miss would be the Sushi Bar — not because it’s bad, but because we’re just not big sushi people. Plus, the whole conveyor‑belt setup gives me flashbacks to that I Love Lucy episode where she’s frantically stuffing chocolates in her mouth and hat just to keep up. I don’t need that kind of performance pressure at dinner.

 

There is also a specialty seafood restaurant Ocean Cay that boasts they have the freshest seafood on board. Our Yacht Club restaurant already serves plenty of seafood, so paying extra feels unnecessary. Also, if Ocean Cay is ‘the freshest’, I’m trying not to think too hard about what that implies about the Yacht Club’s seafood. And last is the Teppanyaki restaurant that always puts on a great show, knife juggling, food flying but, in our experience, the food rarely lives up to the entertainment. Besides, some lady is always hogging the soy sauce at the other end of the table. But hands down the best hit is the pizza! MSC an Italian ship really does the best pizza at sea. That makes sense cause if anybody knows how to make Pizza it’s the Italians.

 

After a few slices of pizza, we made our way to the White‑Hot Party on the pool deck — hands down the best party we’ve ever been to on a cruise. The DJ was blasting every crowd‑pleaser you can think of while the staff — concierges, butlers, cabin attendants, waiters, bartenders — all lined up and danced for a full hour. It was wildly fun watching them step out of their usual prim‑and‑proper roles and absolutely own the dance floor.

 

Tomorrow is a sea day, and the forecast says rain, which is fine, because today we soaked up enough sun to last us a while. At this point we’re tan, fed, and relaxed, emphasis on fed.

 

 

Cozumel

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Bahamas Day 5 Cozumel Wednesday April 22^nd

 

Today we arrived in Cozumel, Mexico. We have visited here many times over the years, and although the island has changed, it still holds its own unique charm. The water is an unreal shade of turquoise, the breeze is warm and gentle, and stepping into the sea water temperature is said to be like a perfectly heated bath. Of course, that beauty draws a crowd. With cruise ships bringing an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 passengers into port each day, the streets can turn chaotic—people rushing to tequila tastings, hunting for souvenirs, or eyeing “authentic” cigars that are anything but. Still, Cozumel stays a fantastic destination if you love scuba diving, snorkeling, water sports, or getting a close look at Mayan culture.

 

Today we were planning to stay on the ship since 90% of the passengers head ashore, the ship turns wonderfully peaceful. Then reality hit: we still needed our 10,000 steps… and Jay needed socks. So, we hopped off, figuring it was easier to walk on land than to take endless laps around the decks. I know what you’re thinking, “You came all the way to Mexico to buy socks …you guys really know how to have a good time”.

 

But ask yourself: have you ever been to a Mega Soriana in Cozumel? Most people haven’t — and honestly, it should count as an excursion. Mega is like Walmart, but better: cleaner, wide aisles, no one hustling you like in the tourist shops, and stocked with everything from beach towels to fresh tortillas… and yes, socks. If I ever write another travel book, I’ll absolutely include a trip to Mega. That’s real cultural immersion. Sure, they don’t have a ‘Swim with the Dolphins’ package, but wandering about in a local supermarket tells you more about a town than any choreographed outing ever will. We even checked out all by ourselves — just as easy as self‑checkout at Walmart. Well… except for the moment Jay didn’t put the socks in the bag, and the machine refused to let us pay. So, we had to call over the man to help us but hey, that happens at Walmart too.

 

We thought about spending the day in Playa del Carmen, but realized we’d be too rushed. It’s a 45‑minute ferry ride from Cozumel, and as much as we love Playa — it’s one of our favorite places in Mexico — today just wasn’t the day to squeeze it in. On our first visit to Playa del Carmen, it had this wonderfully laid‑back, local feel. Over the years it’s evolved, as great places often do, and it’s now a vibrant, in‑demand destination. These days you’ll find luxury shopping, stylish bars, and more high‑end restaurants and the abundance of tourists.

 

I still have such great memories from our last trip. We met two guys from Pennsylvania, and somehow the four of us ended up in this tiny restaurant that basically felt like someone’s living room, maybe five tables total. “The food was incredible — you can never go wrong with “Tacos al pastor.”.

 

One of the guys had what I thought was a cool job: he worked in project development for Crayola. His whole world revolved around creating and naming crayon colors. He told us Crayola has made more than 200 colors over the years, with about 175 still in rotation. And apparently the most popular box they sell is the one with 152 crayons with crazy wild names like Jazz berry, Radical Red, and Canary.  Just to show how much things change, when I was ten, I had the starter box of ten crayons, and the names were literally just Blue, Red, Yellow. That was it. Anyway, from where I’m stretched out on the sundeck overlooking Cozumel, the water is pure Cerulean Blue—a shade that, incidentally, is the name of a crayon, probably invented by the guy we met.

 

After our big shopping adventure, we spent the afternoon by the pool — and in the pool — chatting with other passengers. The weather was warm, the kind of warm where you suddenly appreciate every cloud that drifts in front of the sun. We grabbed lunch at the Grill by the pool, but the selections were… interesting. Not burgers, dogs and fries but pasta, chicken, and pork chops that are not exactly lounger‑friendly. That’s the kind of lunch you eat sitting upright at a table with a napkin tucked in, not half‑reclined by the pool trying not to drop a pork chop on your swimsuit.

 

Tonight’s show was the comedian Azeem with a set called, “I Am Just Serious”. We decided to skip it. In our experience, cruise‑ship comedy is… not great. They’re always trying to play on both sides, terrified of offending anyone, and the result is a string of tired, lukewarm jokes that land with a thud. Half the time I feel bad for the comedian because nobody’s laughing, and the other half I feel bad for myself because I am sitting through it. So yes — “I Am Just Serious” and we didn’t go.

 

Tomorrow we are in Costa de Maya.

Sea Day

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Tuesday April 21st Our First Sea Day

 

We’re now on day three of our cruise and between dinner, cocktail hour, and the evening shows, we’ve a met, a few fellow passengers. After taking more than a couple dozen cruises over the years, I’ve started to notice a pattern—there are certain “types” who always seem to appear, no matter the ship, the itinerary, or the ocean.

 

There are the social butterflies—the ones who look forward to chatting with strangers and somehow know everyone by day two. Then, there are the shy, quiet types who just want to be left alone with a book, expertly avoiding crowds and keeping to themselves. You’ve also got the party people: first at the bar, last to leave, always with a drink in hand. And of course, the foodies—those who plan their entire day around meals and have strong opinions about bread.  And let’s not forget the passengers whose outfits suggest they got dressed in the dark — plus the boldly confident ones who clearly believe the world deserves a generous, front‑row view of their low necklines. They make you smile, shake your head, and enjoy the spectacle. Honestly, a cruise just wouldn’t feel the same without them.”

 

Oh, a quick note about our neighbors. They are definitely party people. We ended up next door to what might be the most enthusiastic {loud} couple on the ship. They love their deck, they love having their friends over, and they love a good, hearty laugh. I am sure they are fun people… but I am just as sure they probably will not be our new best friends.

 

Today, like most sea days, there’s a whole buffet of things to do besides going to the buffet. And honestly, that’s why I love sea days. You’ve got the freedom to do whatever strikes you in the moment… or to do absolutely nothing at all, which is sometimes the real luxury. Today we did our predicted list of things, reading a book, having a Bloody Mary at 9 O’clock in the morning and being lazy.

 

We poked our heads into the 11a.m. cocktail party on the pool deck, where there were a handful of our fellow passengers lurking about — mainly because the weather is, in a word, crummy. Not cold, not dramatic… just that special brand of overcast, gray, vaguely‑moist yuck that drives people indoors to drink.

 

Tonight is Gala Night, which is basically the ship’s polite way of saying, “Hey folks, maybe try looking like you own a pair of real pants”. It’s not formal‑formal, but definitely a strong nudge toward smart casual — which, in plain English, means don’t be ridiculous. Put on long pants and leave the flip‑flops in your cabin. Of course, people will still do whatever they want. That’s just the era we live in. Jay and I will do our best to be smart and blend in.

 

Because it’s Gala Night, the restaurant rolled out the fancy stuff — filet mignon and lobster. I’m not a huge lobster eater, but I went for it anyway because, let’s be honest, lobster screams ‘special occasion,’ and we’re on a cruise.  It was pretty good. It’s amazing what a pound of melted butter can do. Naturally, we followed it up with crepe suzette.

 

After dinner we headed to the show, Rock Royalty — which basically means they hit us with all the classics: ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot,’ ‘We Are the Champions,’ ‘We Will Rock You’. The audience was all in, with plenty of people standing, singing, and fully living their rock‑star moment as Jay nodded off.

 

Tomorrow we will be in Cozumel, hopefully find some sun.